Two Premier League players have been asked to choose between John Terry and Virgil van Dijk as the best defender in the league’s history.
Brighton defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk have been involved in a debate over who is the better defender: Chelsea legend John Terry or Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
Terry vs Van Dijk
Terry made 492 Premier League appearances spanning 22 seasons at Chelsea, where he won five top-flight titles in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015 and 2017.
The Englishman was particularly pivotal in four of those league victories before playing a bit-part role under Antonio Conte in the 2016-17 campaign.
John Terry won the last of his five Premier League titles in 2017 (Credit: Imago)
Meanwhile, Van Dijk currently has 286 Premier League games (as of January 31, 2025), having played at Southampton for two years and a bit before joining Liverpool midway through the 2017-18 season.
The 2018-19 Premier League Player of the Season played every minute as the Reds secured a maiden Premier League crown under Jurgen Klopp in 2019-20 to end the team’s 30-year wait for a league crown.
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Van Hecke opted for Van Dijk, highlighting his dominance and current form.
“I think Van Dijk – he’s incredible,” said the Dutchman. “It feels like he’s still in his prime. He’s almost unbeatable. You can’t take him on, he’ll catch you. But when I was younger I watched John Terry.”
Virgil van Dijk (right) celebrates Liverpool’s Premier League title with Kenny Dalglish in 2020 (Credit: Imago)
Dunk, a childhood Chelsea fan, chose Terry, citing his influence and the impact he had on him growing up.
“He’s who I watched growing up, so I’m picking John Terry. But [Van Dijk] is still incredible,” Dunk said.
Both players agreed that Terry would still be a top defender in the modern game, praising his technical ability and mentality.
“[Terry] was still technical though, he used to hit [diagonal passes] with his left foot,” Dunk stated.
“He’d definitely be one of the best centre-backs now. His mentality for me is incredible. If you see him going into blocks,” Van Hecke added.
Despite playing in different Premier League eras, Terry and Van Dijk will undoubtedly go down as greats of the modern era.
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